COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

"To ask the Chief Executive for an updated timeframe for the delivery of the Villages Initiative for the area under the remit of this Committee, and to make a statement on the matter?"

REPLY:

The Villages Initiative intends to encourage and grow community involvement and partnership to complement and energise Council environmental and maintenance programmes and develop new projects.  These new projects will help to develop the villages as the accessible focus of walking and amenity networks for their adjoining communities. 

Part 8 Consultation on the Rathfarnham project is already underway.  The works shown primarily relate to paving / kerbing, new tree planting, public spaces and adjustment of roads and parking, public lighting i.e. – public realm works.  Drawings and Reports are available for inspection under the ‘Public Notices’ section of the Council website.  A scheme has been prepared for Templeogue Village but requires the consent of a number of local property owners both to the Part 8 display and the carrying out of the works in the future.  Initial meetings have not been successful but further discussions will be pursued.  In absence of agreement, a more limited approach will then be adopted.

Other projects such as cycle / pedestrian links and networks offering travel choice and linking communities to their village centres, will have a longer timetable.  Unused and underused sites/buildings are being pursued under the Derelict Sites Act. Building quality will be supported and upgraded through the Shopfront Programme, now in its second year.  Grant-aid is also available to community groups for local events and festivals, as well as direct and to support Tidy Towns Committees.

This is a broad initiative with up to €7.0 million of funding approved by the Members, will take time, patience and will need community and business support.  Actions will be incremental and gradual and carried out with respect for heritage and the value of place.  It is intended to commence work on the Rathfarnham project before the end of 2015.